Generated more than 600 tweets to government asking them to grant a holiday wish by recognizing the right to a healthy environment.

We are excited for the year ahead. And we’re hopeful that the right to a healthy environment will be included in federal law for the first time when government follows through on its commitment to strengthen the Canadian Environmental Protection Act next year.

It’s a steep climb, and our work to convince government that the right to a healthy environment should be included won’t be easy. But it’s important to take time to celebrate the progress we have made so far, and to reflect on why we must continue to protect the people and places we love.

Comings and goings

The Blue Dot team underwent some big changes this year. Cam Cheema (Montreal organizer), Valerie Robert (Ottawa organizer) and Alaya Boisvert (government relations) have all moved on to new opportunities. We are fortunate that Alaya will continue to work with the David Suzuki Foundation as the public engagement manager. We are very thankful for their contributions to the team and wish them all the best.

Earlier in the year, we were pleased to bring on board Alan Worsley (communications specialist) and Izzy Czerveniak (Vancouver organizer). Emily Belliveau also recently joined us as coordinator. We’re excited about the expertise and capacity these new members bring to the team!

Our highlights of the year

I asked our team to share their highlight of the year:

“My highlight was in viewing the inspiring and creative social media content made by Blue Dot supporters. From Kelly Husack’s clear and cogent storytap video to Izzy Czerveniak’s hilarious holiday wish, these actions helped move environmental rights forward. You can still create your own meme and send it to Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, @cathmckenna, on Twitter. “

“My highlight of the year was watching the incredible growth of the Vancouver team, numbering 49 since February. This astounding growth is due to volunteers engaging the public through tabling, attending Blue Dot trainings, meeting with their MPs, sending video messages, attending or organizing Blue Dot community events and phoning MPs. A fantastic job by all!”

“Working with hundreds of inspiring Blue Dot volunteers across Ontario was a delight all year. David Suzuki speaking to 700 local youth in Burlington about the right to a healthy environment was an especially inspiring moment!”

“My biggest highlight was the Union des Municipalités du Québec (Union of Quebec municipalities) joint declaration on May 4 for the right to a healthy environment. This resolution paves the way for many more Quebec municipalities to protect the people and places we love.”